To qualify for this position at the GS-9 level, you must meet the following:
Experience: You must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-8) in the federal service that has given you the particular knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of a Firefighter (Paramedic/Hazardous Materials Technician). Such duties may include (1) controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade; (2) rescue operations; (3) detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards; (4) operation of fire communications equipment; (5) controlling hazardous materials incidents and/or (6) developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention. NOTE: Experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week.
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In addition to the above requirement, you must also meet all of the following requirements to qualify for this position:
English Language Proficiency: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to perform the duties of this position.
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Maximum Age Requirement (Screen Out): This position requires a maximum entry age for an initial appointment; applicants cannot have reached their 37th birthday by the date of appointment. Applicants who have passed the designated entry age limit, but who have previously served as a federal employee in a covered position, may be eligible to re-enter the fire service provided that they: (1) meet all applicable qualifications for the position and (2) will be able to complete a total of 20 years of covered and creditable Federal firefighter service by the time the firefighter reaches the age of 57. Prior service in covered positions and creditable towards retirement may be subtracted from the applicant's age to determine if the Federal firefighter meets the maximum entry age.
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Requirements for Motor Vehicle Operation - Driver's License (Screen Out): Applicants must possess and maintain a valid State motor vehicle operator's license of the appropriate classification or kind. Applicants also may be required to pass a practical road test in the Class A Triple Combination Pumper and be capable of operating all firefighting equipment including that on board the fire truck. Applicant also may be required to provide information on their driving record. Applicants may be required to demonstrate the ability, before appointment, to operate specific equipment to which they will be assigned, or similar related types of hydraulic equipment. NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore; please do not submit a copy of your driver's license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you may be required to provide a copy of your valid state-issued driver's license.
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Physical Requirements: Applicants will be given a physical examination including a treadmill and agility test. Failure to pass these tests may be justification for disqualification. Periodic medical examinations following appointment may be required to determine fitness for continued performance of the duties of the position.
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This position includes
Selective Placement Factors (skill, knowledge, ability, or other worker characteristic basic to - and essential for - satisfactory performance of the job). Selective Placement Factors are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for a position. Applicants who do not meet it are ineligible for further consideration.
The Selective Placement Factors for this position are the required certifications listed below. Copies of your current/valid certifications must be submitted with your application to receive credit.
- Advanced Life Support (ALS)
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Firefighter I & II
- Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic certification in the national registry certification.
- Hazardous Materials Operations (NFPA) Operations
NOTE: The following certifications must be obtained within 24 months of employment:
You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position:
- Fire Management
- First Response
- Selective Placement Factor
- Vehicle Operation
IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Physical Requirements: Moderate to heavy physical effort is required when reaching, bending, climbing, turning or moving hands, arms and feet in the performance of firefighting duties. The employee is required to participate in a physical fitness program.
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.